Mumbai to host philanthropy week

Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS) Over 600 leaders from different spheres will come together from Feb 28 to discuss social problems faced by the country and how these can be addressed through strategic philanthropy.

"India's social sector is witnessing rapid transformation with both philanthropy and entrepreneurship increasing in size and impact. We are witnessing innovative models in funding, organisational structures and delivery mechanisms than ever before," said Deval Sanghavi, co-founder of Dasra, a philanthropy foundation organising the event.

"With multiple stakeholders playing more active roles in the sector, collective action needs to be built to ensure maximum lives are impacted in the most effective way possible," he added.

The week-long event will kick off with a workshop for 48 social entrepreneurs, part of the Dasra Social Impact, an executive education programme.

Over the course of the workshop, leaders of these high impact organisations will build multiple skills to create robust growth plans which they will present to grant makers and investors for potential funding and support.

In addition to bringing entrepreneurs, philanthropists and funders on a common platform March 5, leading family and corporate foundations like the Piramal Foundation, Edelgive Foundation, Kiawah Trust and others will discuss the need for collaboration.

The high impact week will conclude with Dasra's signature event, the Indian Philanthropy Forum (IPF) March 6. The event, that Dasra has been successfully running since for the past three years, will see a high profile gathering of over 200 leading philanthropists and business leaders.

Issues such as human trafficking, promoting sports for youth development and collaborative giving will be discussed.